around 20 small insects in the pool

[Charlize]

I saw about 5 small creatures in the pool yesterday. They look like insects but can swim, about the size of a fly. This morning i can see around 20.

What is the best way to get rid of them? They are not easy to catch, so i doubt thats an option.

[Ohm_Boy]

Sounds like water boatmen or backswimmers.

You'll want to make sure that your pool chemicals levels are good - PH, FC, CYA, etc.

I've heard that the little buggers are tough to catch, but I've only personally seen a few, and I've caught them with a skimmer net. I dropped them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Adding Borates to a pool is thought to help. so-you-want-to-add-borates-to-your-pool-why-and-how-t4921.html

[Charlize]

ok, thanks for the links. from the pics i am pretty sure that what we have is corixidae, water boatmen.

[zea3]

Keep in mind that according to their description, they inhabit slow moving streams and feed on algae. You may need to shock your pool to get rid of their food source, even if you don't see any algae.

[Charlize]

yes, i will shock starting tomorrow. Does anybody have any idea about how long time i should shock? the water is crystal-clear. TC is 4 and ph is 7,7.

[gordiec]

There is an article on how to shock your pool in the Pool School. Just go to to the top right corner of this page and click on the "Pool School" link. Then scroll down to the "How To" section and the article is there.

Hope that helps,
Gordon

[TizMe]

I would keep it at shock level for a few days and see if they go away. Just as an after thought if they do go away and then come back you might want to think about raising you FC level a little to try to deter them from a Regatta in your pool !